Leader: Let us hear the word of God — Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”

People: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Our children are an awesome responsibility.

Leader: We must bring our children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

People: As the scriptures teach us, we must raise our children in the way they should go; even when they are old, they will not depart from it.

Leader: We must humble ourselves and be willing to learn in order to properly lead our youth.

People: Jesus set a child before His disciples and said: “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Leader: Seek the wisdom of God. Ask the Lord to bless you with guidance and knowledge.

All: We thank you, Lord, for your patience with us as we work toward bringing up our children in ways that reflect your example. Let us continually honor You by sharing Your Word and Your love with our children.

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN “Jesus Loves the Little Children”#580

*INVOCATION (In Unison) Sydney Morrison and Amarye

Almighty God, thank You for blessing us with the sacred gift of our children. We are filled with gratitude that You have entrusted them to us. Lord, we pray that You will constantly keep Your hand of wisdom, guidance, patience and love firmly upon us as we continually dedicate ourselves to ‘training-up’ and raising our youngsters. We all bear the responsibility to love, nurture, protect and teach the children who are among us in our homes, churches and communities. We pray, today, that You will bless the youth with Your joy and steadfast protection as they grow into adulthood. We ask, awesome God, that You grant us greater understanding and grace to guide them in ways which honor Your Word and Your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

*GLORIA PATRI #623

SCRIPTURE LESSON (NT) Mark 10:13–16 and Galatians 5:22–23

Aliah Shealey Carly Beckford

MINISTRY OF MUSIC GBC Youth and Children’s Choir

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

Music GBC Youth and Children’s Choir Offertory *Doxology # 625

*Prayer of Dedication Destiny Ford

TIME FOR YOUTH

INSTRUMENTAL SELECTIONS

“Hunter’s Chorus” (Composer: C.M. von Weber)

William D. Ferguson – Viola

“God Is So Good” and “Praise Him”

Matthew Miller-Woodbine – Piano

“Ode to Joy,” Andrew Miller-Woodbine – Piano

VOCAL SELECTION Nicholas Ferguson

“Hello to All the Children of the World”

THE LORD’S PRAYER Aneka Lewis

PRAYER REQUESTS Cynara Nelson

WORDS OF ASSURANCE/PASTORAL PRAYER

INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKERS

REFLECTIONS AND MEDITATIONS

“Still Pressing On…” – Matthew Snow, Jason Lewis, Carlton Beckford

“I Press On Toward the Mark…” – Breana Williams Watson

HYMN OF INVITATION “You Must Open the Door” (below)

A TIME FOR RECOGNITION

Attendance Awards Sunday School Teachers

Acknowledgment of Teachers

Board of Christian Education

Presentation to the Pastor Plants for Children Gayle Conklin

*BENEDICTION

*RINGING OF THE BELL Sarai Jones *Please stand if you are able. ** Ushers will seat latecomers.